Buddha Boy

AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

The kids at Edward Rucher High School call Jinsen "Buddha Boy" - he wears oversize tie-dyed dragon t-shirts, shaves his head and always seems to be smiling. Jinsen certainly doesn't help matters when he starts begging for lunch money in the cafeteria. Then Justin is paired with him for a class project. All Justin wants to do is get it over with and go back to hanging out with his friends...until he discovers Jinsen's incredible artistic talent. And the more he gets to know Jinsen, the more Justin questions his own beliefs. But being friends with Buddha Boy isn't simple, especially when Justin realizes he's going to have to take sides. What matters more: the high school social order or getting to know someone extraordinary?

Kathe Koja's classic novel of bullying introduces an unforgettable young man who reminds us of the true meaning of friendship and shows us how to draw strength from the little gods inside each of us.

"Koja accomplishes quite a feat with this novel...A compelling introduction to Buddhism and a credible portrait of how true friendship brings out the best in people."
- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"By combining the elements of art and the tenets of Buddhism, Koja takes readers past the stereotypes of the picked-on kid, the relenetless bully, and the rescuing friend...A compelling tale of friendship and finding one's own inner strength."
- VOYA

"Quickly paced, inviting, and eye-opening, this is a marvelous addition to YA literature."
- School Library Journal